‘Enjoyable’ ecumenical service sees over 40 pets being blessed

OVER 40 pets received blessings from Fr Frank Drescher and Canon William Deverell in an ecumenical service in St Kilian’s Church in Kingswood last Sunday.

The event was held just before St Kilian’s Church closed to undergo extensive renovations and repair works before it will reopen on October 27.

In the meantime, Masses will be held in St Kevin’s Church, but Sunday’s service served as a fitting event before the temporary closure of the church.

The majority of the pets were dogs, and Fr Drescher’s own dog – a five-month-old German Shepherd called Charlie – was also there on the day.

A homily was delivered by Canon Deverell at the service, which centred on a spirit of Christian unity and co-responsibility for the preservation of God’s creation.

Commenting on the success of the day, Fr Drescher told The Echo: “It was very well attended, 60 people were there at the beginning and more people came.

Fr Frank Drescher, Canon William Deverell, and Charlie the German Shepherd

“Dogs were almost exclusively the pets that people brought. I’m under the impression, from the feedback that I got afterwards, that it was a very enjoyable occasion.”

Fr Drescher said the idea for the event came about after he realised there was appetite for a service of this nature in the area.

“The interest from the community and the response has been remarkable,” he explained.

“People have already approached me and told me how much they enjoyed it and asked if I’d do it again next year – and I’m open to it if there’s interest in it again.”

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